Abe's update
Abe is showing constant progress in his recovery from his brain and back injury. We are very happy Ben Barkman came for the day, and has helped us with much insight into getting an in-depth knowledge of how Abe was hurt and what the recovery process may look like. However we plan and prepare to walk this out, we are always open for, and expecting a full recovery miracle to happen.

Hertha is an amazing wife to Abe, having an endless optimism, that no doubt adds greatly to the speed of Abe's recovery. She faithfully makes full use of every visiting opportunity. She tirelessly speaks joy and life to him, encouraging him in thousands of ways. Abe has constant worship music going non stop, and with the amazing team of nurses and doctors, the ICU room seems to have a continual presence of God and optimism.

We have had a good in-depth discussion on 2 occasions with doctor Mateo, and doctor Antonio, who will be in care of Abe after today for a while, as doctor Mateo will be out for several days. Following are notes from our discussions with the doctors.

Abe's primary injuries happened to his head, back and right shoulder.

Head,
Abe's brain was hurt by the sever impact and lack of oxygen. An MRI was done on Sunday, which revealed the blood clot was still present, but was receding satisfactorily, and is posing no immediate concern. There were no dark spots found. Doctor showed us details from the MRI, to demonstrate no dark spots. Hallelujah!
Doctor is happy he had decided not to do surgery on Abe's arrival, as it would have added extra stress and complications. The clot was in front which did not pose the immediate threat. If the clot had been a little further back, he would have done surgery immediately.

Back,
Doctor carefully showed us full MRI details of before and after the surgery. We clearly saw how the broken vertebrae was compressing the spinal cord. The after pictures revealed the inserted screws and support brackets, fusing the L1 with T2 and L2, and the now unobstructed spinal cord. Doctor is expecting no paralysis, as was the danger.

Shoulder,
Abe's shoulder was hurt, and at first it was expected that ligaments were torn and some dislocation of bones. However new reports from the MRI reveal only stretched ligament. It is not expected that surgery will be needed on his shoulder.

Abe's stomach and intestines had slowed down as part of the brain trauma. Last week when he was given supplements, he vomited it out. The stomach drain has receded much in the last few days, indicating that he is getting ready to receive supplements. Yesterday morning they gave it another try, and he is taking it well this time, and has not vomited. They feed him regular food like fruit juice and jello thru the tube into his stomach 3 to 4 times a day. The nutrition specialist is happy how Abe's system now takes food, and he says there is no bloating and apparent complications. To "wake up" the intestines is a process, that takes time. As soon as he is ready to eat with his mouth, the air tube will be removed. For the time being he needs the air tube to avoid infections. He will be unable to talk until it is removed.
As soon as Abe's intestines are stable, he can move out of ICU. They expect this to take another 4 to 8 days, after which he will be ready to come home to Belize.

Abe's brain recovery process status is unknown at this time, and only time will tell what it will be like. The doctors cannot know nor test the extent of the damage. However, progress is seen every day, at a fairly decent rate considering the injury he suffered. Doctor Mateo is optimistic with the way he responds to various things and the way he focuses with his eyes and moves his limbs.

Abe sleeps the majority of the time. In the morning it takes strenuous coaxing to wake him up. Later in the day, he is awake more, and responds quicker and more. Abe moves all limbs. He carefully scratches his nose, rubs his eyes, and strokes his lower lip. Therapy is done twice a day. Hertha is being taught to do this, as well as feeding thru the tube, to prepare for going home. Abe focuses on a person and make short expressions. He moves his lips, as if he is wanting to speak. He swallows his saliva well.

Continue with us to declare life and joy over Abe and Hertha.

Jacob Dueck